Whether you're craving a hearty lunch or a reward after a tough workout, it's hard to beat a juicy, mouthwatering burger right off the grill. We've ranked four of our favorite spots to savor a burger around town—along with one best-bet vegetarian option, for those who'd rather abstain from meat.
Swift’s Attic
Downtown
Ask any Austinite about the best burger in town, and it's likely that this hip small-plates spot will come up. Its famous Bowling Alley Burger ($12), which comes with a "fancy-ass special sauce," is only available at lunch, but it's worth the pilgrimage.
Otherwise, we recommend that you don your loose pants and head over for Tuesday night's Big Ass Burger night, which features rotating burgers with crazy toppings (like a Mexican burger with quesadillas for buns). Follow Swift's on Instagram to see what this week's creation will be.
Hopfields
Central Austin
Though it's known for French fare like moules frites and steak tartare, Hopfields also puts out a delicious French-inspired burger, stuffed with Camembert cheese, cornichons, whole-grain mustard, caramelized onions, pommes frites and aioli. Need something frosty to wash it down? You've got 44 rotating craft beers on tap to choose from.
Luke’s Inside Out
South Austin/South Lamar District/Bouldin Creek
This food truck located next to Gibson Bar has been featured on the Food Network for quirky menu items like a Korean BBQ sandwich made with rabbit. But the humble burger ($11), topped with cheddar, bacon, spinach, tomatoes, and red onions, is not to be missed, especially with a side of super-crispy crinkle fries. And if you're seeking to ease a hangover, be sure to drop by on Sundays, when you can pair a $1 mimosa or $5 bloody mary with your burger.
Second Bar + Kitchen
Downtown/Domain Northside
If you like a tricked-out burger, look no further than Second Bar + Kitchen, whose high-end creation is made with ground brisket and chuck and topped with shallot confit, Gruyere, greens, tomatoes and horseradish pickles. But that's just the beginning: for $3-4 each, you can add crispy pork belly, avocado, seared foie gras, an over-easy egg, and a side of truffle fries.
Veggie burger: Bouldin Creek Cafe
Bouldin Creek
Don't worry, vegetarians, we didn't forget about the Veggie Royale ($9) from Bouldin Creek Cafe. The award-winning veggie patty is served on ciabatta bread, with lettuce, tomato, onion and a choice of basil aioli, chipotle-pecan pesto or espresso BBQ sauce. For an extra couple of bucks, you can make it a "Fakon Cheeseburger," with tofu bacon and feta, cheddar-jack, or vegan cheese. And if you're seeking a shake-up from the usual side of fries, give the black-pepper kettle chips a try.
